Got an e-mail from eHarmony today. Guess what? Single mothers are enough of a market segment to merit our own dating advice website from an Internet giant. The Single Mom’s Guide to Dating is filled with such pity and helpful articles as, “How to never date another version of your ex” and “Exit Strategies: how to stop wasting your time“.
I thought I’d give you my dating tips, for those of you going off into the wild world of dating after divorce:
- if your little voice isn’t comfortable, then don’t do it. Listen to your instincts
- Meet in public and take your own transportation. As nice as it might be to meet an old-fashioned gentleman who would like to pick you up, open the door, push in your chair, modern-day dating requires a modicum of caution.
- tell friends where you are going, and agree to call them within a certain amount of time. Arrange for a code conversation, that could be as simple as her asking you, “Are you really where you said you would be?” and if everything is fine, you can say, “really!” but if not, you can say, “really really” and your friend will know you’re in trouble.
- Don’t ever do anything you’re not comfortable with.
- Don’t bring the kids along for the first date. Just don’t. For so t many reasons.
- Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
- Do enjoy yourself. Even if there are no sparks, you can always find something to make the evening enjoyable — just look at it as a practice run
- have fun!